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In the hurried early mornings of getting ready for that dreaded eight o'clock class, it can be hard to prepare that perfect statement-making outfit you had planned the night before. Stocking up on just a few wardrobe basics (i.e riding boots, colored jeans and the perfect trench coat) is a great way to cut costs on a college budget while maintaining Fashionista-status. When only a pit-stop at Starbucks pre-lecture can coax you from your flannel sheets, classics are key. Today's Fashionista reveals the optimal combination of classic fall pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create a stand-out, put-together look fit for any Fashionista on the go.

Name: Samaria Johnson

Year: Sophomore

Major: History and French

CollegeFashionista: What are you wearing today?

Samaria Johnson: Jacket – H&M. Sweater – Calvin Klein by way of Filene’s Basement, but I’m not sure about that second part because it was a gift six years ago. Jeans – Gap. Boots – Matisse via DSW. Purse – Christian Siriano for Payless.

CF: How would you describe your style?

SJ: I’d describe my style as feminine and classic. I almost always go for pieces that are trend-neutral, or not so trendy that they seem horribly out of style the next time the weather lets me wear them again. I’ll grab the occasional “it” item, and I do enjoy a good statement piece, but most of my wardrobe is comprised of staples —things that won’t look out of place in a season or five. The feminine details I like soften things up and make me feel pretty. They add a nice touch to all of the basics.

CF: What are you involved in on-campus? Does your involvement encourage you to dress a certain way to class?

SJ: I’m involved in a lot of social justice groups —namely the Harry Potter Alliance, in which I’m the Head of Slytherin, and the Alabama Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Justice. I run the social media channels for that one. Next semester I’ll be volunteering with Literacy is the Edge, an adult tutoring program. It’s wicked easy to take the easy way out in college, not to put any effort into what I wear, but I wore uniforms in high school! I was taught growing up that I should never leave the house looking less than put-together. I make an impression everywhere I go, so I do my best to make it a good one. It’s easy to think in college that what I wear to class and around campus doesn’t matter, but people take note. I want to be taken seriously, and I want to be seen as capable. How I dress has a direct effect on my mood. You’ll never catch me in a pair of sweats or a hoodie outside my dorm. It’s so much more fun to play dress up, anyway.

CF: Where do you normally like to shop?

SJ: I work at the Gap, so I take full advantage of my discount and get a lot of my clothes staples, like jeans and sweaters from the Gap and Old Navy. I love ModCloth, Mango, and Victoria’s Secret, when I feel up for the splurge, DSW and Aldo for shoes. I’m a kid in college, though, so I mostly make do with Marshall’s and H&M. They have never failed me.

How to: This Fashionista is a perfect example of how great you can look with a simple color palette and a few classic pieces. Her colored skinnies, trench coat and riding boots are great interchangeable pieces that can be fit into any fashion formula. Colored jeans are nothing new, but this Fashionista chose the perfect fall green to compliment the changing season as well as add a pop of color to her otherwise neutral ensemble. H&M is a great place to shop for colored jeans at an affordable price. The classic trench coat worn atop her aforementioned green jeans, will never go out of style. From Burberry to Gap, every designer has their version of the classic coat. The riding boot cannot be matched when it comes to casual comfort, especially when walking to and from classes on a huge campus like The University of Alabama. Tory Burch boots are popular among UA students, but can be pricey. Try DSW or Macy's for a larger more affordable selection.